New 2023 Genesis GV60 will know your face

Genesis has rolled out some new face recognition technology to its GV60 compact electric SUV for the 2023 model year, along with a series of other updates. If you have a modern smartphone, the system will be nothing new but it makes the GV60 the first car sold in Europe that owners can access with nothing more than a friendly smile.

Face Connect was first launched by Genesis in September 2021, making the GV60 the world’s first car with facial recognition capabilities. It’s only now, however, being rolled out to GV60 models sold in Europe and the UK. 

In theory, Face Connect makes losing or forgetting your car keys a problem of the past. The car can store biometric data that allows it to ‘recognise’ the face of its owner, enabling them to access and drive their GV60 without the key being present.

A set up process involving the existing Genesis Connected Services app must be carried out before GV60 owners start winking suggestively at their cars. This stores facial and fingerprint information in encrypted form within the car itself, Genesis being at pains to point out that no biometric data is uploaded or stored remotely at any time.

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Once the system is configured, owners will be able to walk up to their vehicle and look into a camera on the B-pillar where an LED display indicates the status of the car. As long as they haven’t recently grown a beard or chosen to wear a balaclava, the GV60 should unlock and activate the driver’s personal settings, allowing them to start the car via the fingerprint sensor and drive away. Genesis says the technology is ideal for outdoor activities like swimming, or running where owners might prefer not to carry their car keys with them.

As well as Face Connect, which is standard even on the GV60’s entry-level Premium trim, there are a number of other upgrades for 2023. A Digital Key feature allows the car to be unlocked using a smartphone or smart watch and there are a number of equipment upgrades in the cabin. There’s extra ambient lighting, a new air purification system and the Ergo Motion massaging driver’s seat has been made standard across the range alongside heated seats for front and rear occupants. 

The 2023 Genesis GV60 models are on sale now in Premium, Sport and Sport Plus trim levels at prices starting from just under £54,000.   

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